CONTRACT NEWS IN BRIEF

UNITED KINGDOM AND NATO

LAND

15 Sep 20. EOS Systems has secured two contracts totalling $4.25m for the supply of R400 Remote Weapon Systems to a European NATO country. A number of these systems are optimised for integration onto remotely operated combat vehicles (ROCVs) and include the remote control units to operate the systems. Both contracts will be delivered this calendar year. The R400S-Mk2-D-HD is capable of mounting weapons in single and dual configurations from 5.56mm to 12.7mm calibre as well 40mm automatic grenade launchers, 30mm lightweight cannons and anti-tank guided missiles. The EOS R400S-Mk1 remote weapon station entered ADF service in 2007 and has been in continuous operational service in Iraq and Afghanistan on the Army’s Bushmaster Protected Mobility vehicles for the last 12 years. The R400S-Mk1 RWS had previously been developed for Phase 1 of the US Army’s Common Remotely Operated Weapons Station Program (CROWS 1) and from 2004 it was deployed on a range of platforms including the M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank for operations in Iraq. (Source: Defence Connect)

SEA

16 Sep 20. BAE Systems Technology Solutions and Services Inc., Rockville, Maryland, is awarded a $20,306,232 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification (P00017) to previously awarded and announced contract N00030-19-C-0007 to provide logistics engineering and integration support of the U.S. Ohio-class and UK Vanguard-class Strategic Weapon System (SWS) platforms, including support of future concepts.  Work will be performed in Saint Mary’s, Georgia (45.4%); Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania (30.1%); Rockville, Maryland (13.6%); Silverdale, Washington (2.9%); Portsmouth, Virginia (1%); Mount Dora, Florida (1%); New Market, Maryland (1%); Carlisle, Pennsylvania (1%); Mooresboro, North Carolina (1%); Mesa, Arizona (1%), Saint Simons Island, Georgia (1%); and St. Peters, Missouri (1%), with an expected completion date of Sept. 30, 2021.  Subject to the availability of funding, fiscal 2021 operations and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $16,641,589; and United Kingdom funds in the amount of $3,664,643 will be obligated.  No funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract was a sole-source acquisition pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1)(4).  Strategic Systems Programs, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00030-19-C-0007).

EUROPE

LAND

14 Sep 20. C.G. Haenel MK556 Wins German Army Tender to Replace G36. After almost six decades with Heckler & Koch, the German Bundeswehr appears to have selected a new supplier for its assault rifle. TFB has followed the process closely and while the decision had been delayed, we knew that a decision from the was due this autumn. We also knew that regardless of the outcome of the German Army’s choice the result would be of great importance for decades to come. According to several sources the German Ministry of Defense has chosen C.G. Haenel GmbH to supply the next German Assault Weapon. The initial report came from the German Press Agency (DPA) and has been widely quoted. At the time of writing neither the Bundeswehr nor Haenel have made official statements. Haenel is already supplying the Bundeswehr with the Haenel RS9 sniper rifle (designated the G29 in German service), which we reported about on 2016. Despite this they have long been seen as the underdog in the Bundeswehr’s search for a new service rifle.  (Source: defense-aerospace.com/The Firearms Blog)

15 Sep 20. Spanish Armed Forces acquire 663 VAMTACs fitted with Allison automatic transmissions from UROVESA. The Spanish Ministry of Defence has awarded UROVESA, a provider of special off-road vehicles for civil and defence missions worldwide, a contract for the delivery of 663 VAMTAC ST5 high mobility tactical vehicles, between 2020 and 2025. This versatile modular vehicle is designed to withstand the toughest working conditions, combining excellent mobility with a high payload. All vehicles will be fitted with Allison 1000 SeriesTM automatic transmissions. The VAMTACs in the Spanish Ministry of Defense order include 135 kW and 180 kW Steyr diesel engines.

The VAMTACs will be supplied in three different configurations:

• Unarmoured or lightly armoured “High Mobility Tactical” vehicles
• “High-Protection” vehicles, which are heavily armoured against bullets, anti-personnel mines, anti-tank mines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)
• Vehicles equipped with deep fording systems, which are heavily armoured and offer the additional capacity of being able to operate for two hours in salt water at depths of up to 1.5 m, making them ideal for landing operations.

First manufactured in 1998 by UROVESA in Spain, the VAMTAC platform can adapt to different bodywork, loads, power outputs, equipment and accessories enabling multiple configurations. VAMTACs incorporate all features required defence use: an all-wheel drive system which enables the vehicle to move at full load on a single wheel without losing traction; the possibility of being parachuted from low altitudes and carried by helicopter as an external load; compatibility with kerosene-derived aviation fuel; and a driver-activated central tyre inflation system.

SEA

11 Sep 20. Saab AB has received an order from its German partner Diehl Defense for the RBS-15 anti-ship missiles used by the German Navy. According to the company’s press release, the order is valued at approximately 1.7 BSEK and is part of a framework agreement among Saab and Diehl Defense, which offers the opportunities for extra acquisition later on, where Saab’s share is up to roughly 1.5 BSEK. Under the new agreement, the delivery of the missiles would commence from 2022 and completed by 2026. The missiles will arm the German Navy’s Braunschweig Class Corvettes which are the country’s newest class of such vessels. The German Navy has been a user of the RBS-15 since 2011. (Source: Google/https://eurasiantimes.com/)

17 Sep 20. Thales and Leonardo to support Polish Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capability with FLASH SONICS sonars. The Polish Navy will rely on Thales to equip its helicopters with four FLASH SONICS. The FLASH system (Folding Light Acoustic System for Helicopters) is currently the leading dipping sonar on the international market and has become the benchmark system for the world’s major navies. To maintain control over their maritime space and protect security interests around the world, naval forces need reliable, high-performance systems to operate with optimum effect on missions including anti-submarine warfare, maritime search & rescue, defence of maritime approaches and fleet protection for naval forces on deployment. The FLASH is the leading system in the international market for dipping sonars, providing a first-rate level of protection that is recognised by a large number of naval forces, including the US Navy, the UK Royal Navy, the French Navy, the Royal Australian Navy and the navies of the United Arab Emirates, Norway, Sweden, South Korea, the Philippines and now Poland. To date, over 400 Flash systems have been delivered to about a dozen navies around the world. The key benefits of this low-frequency wideband sonar include long-range detection with broad sector coverage and low false alarm rates in open ocean as well as littoral waters. Associated with an active and passive sonobuoy processing system, FLASH SONICS provides an unparalleled anti-submarine warfare capability. Initially designed for heavy helicopters such as the Merlin AW101 from Leonardo chosen by the Polish Navy, the system is also available in a compact version equipped with an electric motor for lighter helicopters like the AW159. Thales and Leonardo have worked jointly with local industry partners, including the Polish aerospace and defence equipment manufacturer WZL1 and the Gdansk University of Technology (GUT), to meet the customer’s requirements. This cooperation demonstrates the Thales Group’s commitment and ability to build and maintain long-term partnerships with local players. GUT and WZL1 will benefit from transfers of technology for sonar maintenance on this programme.

AIR

14 Sep 20. BIRD Aerosystems, the leading developer of Airborne Missile Protection Systems (AMPS) and Airborne Surveillance, Information, and Observation (ASIO) solutions, has won a new contract in Central Europe. Under the contract, BIRD Aerosystems will upgrade and improve the AMPS systems which were previously provided to the Czech Air Force.  BIRD’s AMPS are installed on the Czech Air Force Mi-17 helicopters and successfully and operationally deployed in different dangerous and complicated conflict zones, including Afghanistan. The overall program includes an upgrade to the MILDS UV detection sensors and the MCDU Mission computers provided by BIRD Aerosystems as well as provision for future installation of BIRD’s MACS (Missile Approach Confirmation Sensor).

USA

LAND

17 Sep 20. Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, Ohio, received a ceiling increase modification in the amount of $140,000,000 to an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the production of Non-Standard Commercial Vehicle 2 (H92222-16-D-0043).  This modification raises the contract ceiling to $310,000,000 to account for additional emergent Special Operations Forces requirements.  The work will be performed in Columbus, Ohio, and is expected to be completed by July 2023.  This modification was awarded through a sole-source acquisition in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1) and Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302.1.  U.S. Special Operations Command, Tampa, Florida, is the contracting activity.

17 Sep 20. Collins Aerospace, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is awarded a $316,733,831 modification (P00015) to previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract N00421-18-D-0004.  This modification exercises an option for the procurement of 11,313 AN/ARC-210(v) radios for installation in over 400 strategic and tactical airborne, seaborne and land based (mobile and fixed) platforms for the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Coast Guard, other government agencies and Foreign Military Sales customers.  Work will be performed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and is expected to be completed by September 2023.  No funds are being obligated at time of award.  Funds will be obligated on individual delivery orders as they are issued.  The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

16 Sep 20. DiSTI to develop DTTs for US Army M1 Abrams battle tank. Virtual training solutions provider DiSTI has secured an order to deliver Diagnostic Troubleshooting Trainers (DTT) for the US Army’s M1 Abrams battle tank. Virtual training solutions provider DiSTI has secured an order to deliver Diagnostic Troubleshooting Trainers (DTT) for the US Army’s M1 Abrams battle tank. The $4.7m order also requires DiSTI to provide the necessary classroom hardware for the programme’s execution. Overall, enhanced Abrams DTT training will include 80 maintenance and troubleshooting lessons and procedures. The simulated platform is the M1A2 SEP v3 Abrams M1A2 SEPV3 (System Enhanced Package), which replicates the current configuration of the Abrams main battle tank (MBT) in service with the US Army. The DiSTI solution will help students to train in an advanced 3D learning environment and acquire necessary skills for the maintenance of Abrams tanks. As decided, the Abrams DTT trainers will be installed at Fort Benning in Georgia, Gowen Field in Idaho, and Fort Lee, Virginia. (Source: army-technology.com)

16 Sep 20. Kopin Corporation (NASDAQ: KOPN), a leading developer and provider of active matrix liquid crystal and organic light emitting diode (OLED) microdisplays and display subassemblies, today announced it has received an approximately $22.9m order from Leonardo DRS, Inc. (DRS) for its eyepiece assembly which is included in the Family of Weapon Sight-Individual (FWS-I) weapon sight. FWS-I is a stand-alone, clip-on thermal weapon sight that gives users the ability to acquire targets day or night and in smoke or fog, significantly increasing survivability and lethality margins on the battlefield. This follow-on order has Kopin providing DRS with FWS-I eyepiece assemblies through 2021 as the program ramps up to full-scale production. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

15 Sep 20. NCI Information Systems, Inc. (NCI), a leading provider of advanced information technology solutions and professional services to U.S. federal government agencies, announced today it has received a two-year $89m contract from the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) to provide IT Fit-Out services for its new Secure Admin Operating Facility (SAOF) at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Under the contract, NCI will deliver full information technology (IT) and audiovisual (AV) engineering services to enhance the newly constructed, state-of-the-art INSCOM headquarters with powerful visualization displays to bolster the Army’s real-time awareness and support mission command of operational intelligence and security forces. To fit out the highly-secure classified networks and mission-critical Fort Belvoir facility, NCI will be providing all personnel, equipment, supplies, transportation, tools, supervision and non-personal services necessary to perform IT and AV systems engineering, procurement, installation, testing and turnover. NCI is a Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) trusted solutions integrator — an important and innovative National Security Agency program designed to quickly deliver secure cybersecurity solutions leveraging commercial technologies and products — and stands fully committed to helping INSCOM deliver on its mission in support of Army, joint forces and coalition commands, and the national intelligence community. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

SEA

17 Sep 20. Abaco today announced that it had received orders from a major US prime contractor that will see the company’s XVR19 rugged 6U VME single board computers deployed on board several of the US Navy’s highest profile destroyers as part of a comprehensive upgrade of the ships’ computing capability. The value of the program to Abaco is more than $4m. (Source: PR Newswire)

16 Sep 20. BMT has been awarded a contract to conduct industry studies to advance the design of the next generation of U.S. Navy Auxiliary General Ocean Surveillance Ship (T-AGOS(X)). The Industry Studies address technical solutions and design tradeoffs, provide recommendations to improve producibility and affordability, and include technical reviews of the Navy’s evolving ship design. BMT is the Prime Contractor partnered with Philly Shipyard. The contract is a key step in the recapitalization of the Navy’s ocean surveillance capabilities as the existing T-AGOS ships reach the end of their service life. T-AGOS capabilities emphasize gathering and processing of undersea acoustic data, which is crucial to tracking submarines. The unique SWATH (small waterplane area twin-hull) hull form offers high stability at slow speeds and in adverse weather conditions. BMT’s portfolio includes multiple SWATH and semi-SWATH hull forms, including the U.S. Navy’s SEA FIGHTER (FSF-1), used as a testbed for advanced ship design and innovation. BMT’s ModCat™ semi-SWATH hull form has also been employed in ocean-going ferries and more recently in offshore wind farm support vessels (WFSVs).

16 Sep 20. Bollinger Shipyards, LLC (“Bollinger”) announced today that it will construct a state-of-the-art, floating dry dock for General Dynamics Electric Boat to support the construction and maintenance of the United States’ new Columbia Class of Ballistic Missile Submarines. The detail design engineering will be performed at the Bollinger facility in Lockport, Louisiana. The concept and contract design for the 618ft by 140ft dry dock was performed by the Bristol Harbor Group in Rhode Island. The dry dock is scheduled to be delivered to Electric Boat’s Groton Connecticut shipyard in 2024. Electric Boat is the prime contractor on the design and build of the Columbia Class submarine, which will replace the aging Ohio-Class of Ballistic-Missile Submarines. This is Bollinger Shipyards second contract awarded with General Dynamics Electric Boat. In late 2019, Bollinger Shipyards was selected to construct the 395ft x 100ft Ocean Transport Barge for Electric Boat scheduled to be delivered in 2021. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

15 Sep 20. The U.S. Navy awarded Science Applications International Corp. (NYSE: SAIC) a single-award, cost-plus fixed fee task order worth approximately $78m to provide support services for mobility platform integration for the Expeditionary Department at the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) in Crane, Indiana. Under the task order, SAIC will assist NSWC Crane in overcoming challenges associated with engineering and development of integration efforts across multiple types of platforms for implementation of sensors, weapons, communications, and diagnostic systems for the Maneuver, Surveillance, and Engagement Division. SAIC will use robust, collaborative tools and processes to facilitate rapid, repeatable mission systems integration into mobile platforms as program supporters work jointly to mature integration concepts and meet warfighter requirements. The prime contract has a one-year base period of performance and four one-year options. It covers an array of service areas, including:

• Research and development support;
• Engineering, system engineering, process engineering, modeling and simulation, and analysis support;
• Prototyping, pre-production, model-making, and fabrication support;
• System design documentation and technical data support;
• Software engineering, development, programming, and network support;
• Reliability, maintainability, and availability support;
• Human factors, performance, and usability engineering support;
• System safety engineering support;
• Configuration management support;
• Quality assurance support;
• Information system development, information assurance, and information technology support;
• Interoperability, test and evaluation, trials support;
• Measurement facilities, range, and instrumentation support;
• Logistics support;
• In-service engineering, fleet introduction, installation and checkout support; and
• Program support.

(Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

11 Sep 20. WR Systems Ltd. Fairfax, Virginia, is awarded a $490,500,000 single award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, performance based contract with provisions for cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price task orders.  The contract is for maritime position, navigation and timing systems in-service engineering and technical support services.  This contract includes a five-year ordering period with a total potential contract value of $490,500,000.  Fiscal 2020 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $25,000 will be obligated at the time of award.  Funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  Work will be performed in Norfolk, Virginia (98%); San Diego, California (1%); and Groton, Connecticut (1%), and is expected to be completed by September 2025.  The contract was competitively procured by full and open competition via the Naval Information Warfare Command e-Commerce Central website, with two timely offers received.  Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic, Charleston, South Carolina, is the contracting activity (N65236-20-D-8024).

AIR

17 Sep 20. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has signed a $15m HCare Infinite full-availability support solution with Airbus Helicopters, Inc. The comprehensive contract, initially covering two years with the option to extend up to 10, provides the entire spectrum of support needs for NASA’s fleet of three H135 helicopters, which will begin deliveries later this month. Airbus will ensure operational availability by managing all of NASA’s scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, as well as spare parts. In addition, Airbus will be responsible for the helicopter flight operations by stationing two pilots, two mechanics and one program manager at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida.

15 Sep 20. BAE Systems has received a contract from Aerion Supersonic to supply the flight control system for its new AS2 supersonic business jet. BAE Systems will design, develop, and integrate a fly-by-wire flight control system, including active inceptors, for the new aircraft. The new flight control system adds to BAE Systems’ more than 40 years of experience developing and integrating fly-by-wire systems. The system builds on the company’s proven core technology, but uses smaller and lighter components to allow for integration on the AS2 aircraft. The system will comprise active inceptors, primary flight control computers, actuator control units, and remote electronics units.

14 Sep 20. BAE Systems has been awarded a contract from Lockheed Martin for the production and delivery of additional electronic warfare (EW) systems for Lot 15, Lot 16 long lead, sustainment spares and retro fit kits for the 5th Generation F-35 Lightning II, providing advanced situational awareness and threat response capabilities that support critical missions in contested airspace. The contract follows BAE Systems’ production and delivery of more than 500 EW systems for the F-35 as a key system partner, matching Lockheed Martin’s airframe production. BAE Systems supports all stages of the product’s lifecycle, from development and production to sustainment. The company is actively designing and developing new capabilities to enhance the system’s offensive and defensive capabilities, and maintains its readiness for warfighters under a performance-based logistics sustainability contract. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

14 Sep 20. Ball Aerospace was selected by NASA to move forward with three studies to develop and demonstrate innovative Sustainable Land Imaging (SLI) technologies for potential use on future missions of the Landsat program, a series of Earth-observing satellite missions jointly managed by NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey that is entering its fifth decade of existence. (Source: PR Newswire)

14 Sep 20. Collins Aerospace Systems has received an order for an additional 30 of its NP2000 propeller systems to be installed on US Air National Guard (ANG) and Air Force Reserve Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules medium transport/multirole aircraft, according to a company statement. With the receipt of this new order, bringing the total order to 55 C-130Hs, Collins Aerospace continues progress toward the USAF’s plan to retrofit roughly 160 C-130H aircraft with the NP2000 system. The NP2000 features eight composite blades and a digital electronic propeller control system (EPCS) that brings a 20% thrust increase during take-off, a 20db sound reduction in the cockpit, and a 50% reduction in maintenance man-hours. Collins Aerospace Systems is now under contract to deliver 91 NP2000 systems to various Pentagon customers. The company has installed 34 of its 91 NP2000 orders from these Department of Defense customers. Collins Aerospace Systems has 24 orders from Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) to install new propeller systems on the C/KC-130T aircraft and has installed 17. Collins Aerospace Systems has installed all 10 orders for the NP2000 on the USAF 109th Airlift Wing’s LC-130 aircraft. The company has also installed its two orders from the USAF Air Worthiness Review (AWR) for the NP2000 on the unit’s C-130H test aircraft. Of its 55 orders for the NP2000 from the Air Force Reserve and ANG for their C-130H platforms, Collins Aerospace Systems has installed five. (Source: Jane’s)

14 Sep 20. Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT, TASE: ESLT) (“Elbit Systems”) announced today that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Elbit Systems – Cyclone Ltd., was awarded a contract by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) for the manufacture of assemblies for Forward Equipment Bay assemblies for the F-35. The contract is in an amount that is not material to Elbit Systems and will be performed over a period of four-years.  The contract calls for Elbit Systems to supply assemblies for the F-35’s Forward Equipment Bay – made from composite materials and the associated structures – for all F-35 aircraft variants. Elbit Systems will deliver more than 1,400 components to Lockheed Martin during the contract period. The decision by Lockheed Martin comes as a result of Elbit Systems successful performance on the production of other composite structures for the F-35 program.  This award further expands Elbit Systems work on the F-35, which includes the helmet mounted display systems, the development of the panoramic cockpit display, power amplifiers and 22 different structural assemblies.

18 Sep 20. General Atomics receives $7.4bn MQ-9 Reaper contract. General Atomics has won the Agile Reaper Enterprise Solution (ARES) contract with a ceiling amount of $7.4bn. General Atomics has won the Agile Reaper Enterprise Solution (ARES) contract with a ceiling amount of $7.4bn. The contract has been awarded by the US Air Force (USAF) Life Cycle Management Center’s MQ-9 Program Office. This contract is expected to support rapid deployment of the MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aircraft system (UAS) and address the rising operational demand for the weapon system. The MQ-9 UAS is equipped with capabilities to perform intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and strike missions. Awarded with a pre-negotiated $3.3bn price-quantity-curve, the fixed indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract is valid for five years. It is expected to stabilise the associated costs, permit the USAF and foreign military sales partners to acquire from four to 36 aircraft annually, and decrease delivery time by around 35%. Foreign military sales partners will be permitted to order the MQ-9A Nato exportable version, Dash 21 variant. In addition, the contract includes pre-priced mobile ground control stations, ground data terminal, spares and support equipment. (Source: airforce-technology.com)

17 Sep 20. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Space Force for the rapid prototyping phase of the Evolved Strategic SATCOM (ESS) program to develop a modernized strategic communications space segment with enhanced resilience and cybersecurity capabilities. During the rapid prototyping phase, the company will deliver the preliminary design for ESS’ space segment and a ground-based demonstration. The ESS program will seamlessly interoperate with, and eventually replace, the Space Force’s existing Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) system to provide enduring and secure satellite communications to strategic users. As a key component of the disaggregated architecture supporting legacy AEHF capabilities, the ESS program replaces AEHF’s mid-latitude system capability, extending its survivable communications capability to the North Polar Region. This contract provides a payload to develop hardware and software.  Work will be performed in Redondo Beach, California, and is expected to be completed May 2025.  This is a sole-source acquisition.  Fiscal 2020 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $31,190,000 are being obligated at the time of award.  The Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California, is the contracting activity (FA8808-20-C-0049).

TECHNOLOGY

11 Sep 20. L3Harris Technologies Inc., Colorado Springs, Colorado, was awarded a $22,152,476 cost-plus-fixed-fee completion contract for a research project for the Secure Advanced Framework for Simulation and Modeling (SAFE-SiM) program.  SAFE-SiM seeks to build a government owned and controlled, faster-than-real time modeling and simulation environment.  This capability would enable rapid analysis supporting senior-level decisions for concept of operations development, force structure composition, resource allocation and targeted technology insertion.  Work will be performed in Colorado Springs, Colorado (23%); Arlington, Texas (25%); Round Rock, Texas (18%); Camden, New Jersey (13%); Chantilly, Virginia (8%); Culver City, California (7%); and Clifton Park, New York (6%), with an expected completion date of September 2021.  Fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $5,275,000 are being obligated at the time of award.  This contract was a competitive acquisition in which 10 offers were received.  The Defense Advanced Research Agency, Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity (HR0011-20-C-0145).

15 Sep 20. Lockheed Martin recently awarded POC a multi-phase development, production, and sustainment firm fixed price contract to provide secure, advanced data storage systems in support of new-production F-16s. This contract covers the entire system lifecycle and establishes POC at the forefront of the aerospace data encryption and storage avionics industry. Building upon POC’s newest High Definition & Recording System (HDVR) architecture, the Secure Tactical Recording System (STaRS) 2.0 reduces Size, Weight, and Power (SWAP), adds high-speed data transfer and recording, and dual high-capacity (16TB) ruggedized removable storage modules for demanding Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) video applications. Work is scheduled to start immediately. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

17 Sep 20. The U.S. Army awarded Science Applications International Corp. (NYSE: SAIC) a $185m single-award, cost-plus fixed-fee task order to support the Decision Support Division for the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command (USASMDC), in the areas of space, space control, high altitude, air and missile defense, and associated cyberspace operations. USASMDC develops and provides current and future global space, missile defense, and high altitude capabilities to the Army, joint force, and their allies and partners, to enable multi-domain combat effects; enhance deterrence, assurance, and detection of strategic attacks; and protect the nation. The prime contract has a one-year base period of performance and one one-year option. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

17 Sep 20. Veriitone, Inc. (Nasdaq: VERI), the creator of the world’s first operating system for artificial intelligence, aiWARE™, today announced that it has been awarded key subcontracts under a U.S. Air Force project that will use Veritone’s aiWARE artificial intelligence (AI) operating system to increase the speed and accuracy of overhead imagery analysis. AFWERX, the Air Force’s innovation unit, awarded a Phase II contract under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to prime contractor alYnmnt. Veritone has been awarded subcontracts for software license and technology development services totaling $1.3m in support of this program. The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the SBIR process in an attempt to speed up the experience and broaden the pool of potential applicants. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

REST OF THE WORLD

LAND

17 Sep 20. DroneShield wins Southeast Asia C-UAS deal, possibly with Singapore. Australian counter unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) developer announced on 11 September that it had received an order for a DroneSentry system for the army of an undisclosed Southeast Asian country that is “allied with the West”. (Source: AMR)

15 Sep 20. KBR (NYSE: KBR) has secured an eight-year contract to perform day-to-day base operations for the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA) – a major command of the Air Force. This new indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract has a $974m maximum ceiling value. KBR will help sustain the well-being of U.S. armed forces at Morón Air Base in Spain, as well as Incirlik Air Base, Izmir Air Station, Office of Defense Cooperation –Turkey and the Ankara Support Facility also in Turkey. The company will keep these bases and facilities operating smoothly so deployed Air Force and government personnel can execute their missions without distraction.

KBR’s work will include program management; civil engineering; morale, welfare and recreation support; postal operations; and safety, occupational health, industrial hygiene and ambulance services. It will also provide logistics support, such as vehicle management, fuel operations and air terminal services. KBR received this contract – which has a five-year base period and three one-year options—from the Air Force Installation Contracting Center.  KBR is a major provider of base operations services for the U.S. military. Last year, KBR won multiple prime contracts on the $82bn Logistics Civil Augmentation Program V contract. It also holds several large contracts with Naval Facilities Engineering Command supporting bases in Africa and the Middle East.

15 Sep 20. L-3 Communications Cincinnati Electronics Corp., Mason, Ohio, is awarded a $37,063,645 firm-fixed-priced, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the purchase of up to 163 M36E-T1 Thermal Sight Systems, spares, special tools and test equipment, new equipment training and manuals, M36E-3 conversions, associated non-recurring engineering and assault amphibious vehicle filter windows.  Work will be performed in Mason, Ohio, and is expected to be completed by September 2026.  Foreign Military Sales (FMS) revolving funds in the amount of $6,001,603, under Taipei Economic Cultural Representative Office FMS case TW-P-SEQ, will be obligated on the first delivery order immediately following contract award; the funds do not have an expiration date.  This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1 and 10 U.S. Code § 2304(c) (1).  Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity (M67854-20-D-0005).

17 Sep 20. Royal Thai Navy selects Norinco for AAV requirement. The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) is to procure three Norinco-produced amphibious assault vehicles (AAVs), understood to be the VN-16 platform. The Thai government’s public procurement service said in a notice on 10 September that Norinco has been selected by the RTN for the acquisition, with a bid price of THB398.1m (USD13m). The service did not confirm the platform type. However, this is understood to be the VN-16, which Norinco displayed in model form at the Defence and Security defence exhibition in Bangkok in late 2019. Another bid document published by the RTN’s acquisition management office on 9 September confirmed that the acquisition forms the first phase of a wider AAV requirement within the Royal Thai Marine Corps (RTMC). The document also said the vehicles will be procured from local company Chankasem International, which will act as an importer. (Source: Jane’s)

SEA

16 Sep 20. ASC Shipbuilding has signed a contract with South Australian company Infrabuild Steel Centre to support the manufacturing of the frigates at the Osborne South shipyard – as the prototyping phase of the program approaches. The prime contractor for the program, ASC Shipbuilding, has signed a contract with South Australian company Infrabuild Steel Centre to support the manufacturing of the frigates at the Osborne South shipyard. The contract is for the supply of around 120 tonnes of Australian steel that will be used to support the manufacturing of the Hunter Class frigates. Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said the contract was a testament to the continued progress that was being made in the program. (Source: Defence Connect)

AIR

17 Sep 20. Draganfly Inc. has announce that the Dubai Police has selected Draganfly to pilot new drone initiatives utilizing Draganfly’s technical and operation experiences as well as its Intellectual Property. The Unmanned Aerial Systems Center (UASC), part of the General Department of Operations, Dubai Police, established in 2018, has a mandate to stay in the forefront of unmanned aerial systems utilization within the domain of public safety. Aligned with federal and local strategies with the UAE revolving around foresight and innovation, the UASC embodies the country’s pursuit in ushering and harnessing technology to improve the wellbeing of society and operational effectiveness in public safety overall. (Source: UAS VISION)